Visual and/or acoustic privacy features

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of visual and/or acoustic privacy features. For example, exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include visual and/or acoustic privacy features for furniture (e.g., office chair, desk, table, cubicle, etc.). The visual and/or acoustic privacy features are movable relative to the user and/or furniture between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured such that they do not inhibit the user from interacting with others. In the second configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured to provide the user with at least some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/062,318 filed Oct. 24, 2013, which, in turn, claims thebenefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/718,298filed Oct. 25, 2012, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/813,851 filedApr. 19, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/888,890 filedOct. 9, 2013. The entire disclosures of the above applications areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Some office environments are very open with many people sitting incubicles or other work stations without full walls, doors, etc. betweenthe work stations. In such open office environments, there is little tono office privacy such that it is commonplace for neighboring workers tooverhear each other's telephone conversations. Privacy may also be hardto find in other open areas, such as in schools, restaurants,cafeterias, airport terminals, testing centers, libraries, home offices,etc.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures. For example, exemplary embodiments are disclosed that includevisual and/or acoustic privacy features for furniture (e.g., officechair, desk, table, cubicle, etc.). The visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures are movable relative to the user and/or furniture between atleast a first configuration and a second configuration. In the firstconfiguration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may beconfigured such that they do not inhibit the user from interacting withothers. In the second configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may be configured to provide the user with at least some visualand/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are perspective views showing visual and/or acousticprivacy features mounted to and/or supported by a desk according to anexemplary embodiment, where the visual and/or acoustic privacy featuresare respectively shown in a first configuration (FIG. 1), a secondconfiguration (FIG. 2), and a third configuration (FIG. 3);

FIG. 4A is a side view of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features ofFIG. 2 shown in the second configuration in which the visual and/oracoustic privacy features are adjacent the user's ears and alongopposite sides of the user's head so as to provide the user with atleast some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from othersaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the visual and/or acousticprivacy features of FIG. 2 shown in the second configuration in whichthe visual and/or acoustic privacy features would be adjacent the user'sears and along opposite sides of the user's head so as to provide theuser with at least some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolationfrom others according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures shown in FIG. 4 and also illustrating the exemplary bracketsfor attachment to a desk via mechanical fasteners according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of one of the visual and/oracoustic privacy features shown in FIGS. 1 through 5;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the visual and/or acousticprivacy feature shown in FIG. 6 after the components have been assembledtogether;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are side views of the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeature shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the visual and/or acoustic privacy featureshown in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective front views of a wheeled office chairhaving visual and/or acoustic privacy features, which are shown in afirst configuration (FIG. 12A) and in a second configuration (FIG. 12B)according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective front views of a wheeled office chairhaving visual and/or acoustic privacy features, which are shown in afirst configuration (FIG. 13A) and in a second configuration (FIG. 13B)according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective front views of a wheeled office chairhaving visual and/or acoustic privacy features, which are shown in afirst configuration (FIG. 14A) and in a second configuration (FIG. 14B)according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective front views of cushioned chairs havingvisual and/or acoustic privacy features according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures mounted to and/or supported by a desk according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 17 includes side views of visual and/or acoustic privacy featuresaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a top view showing visual and/or acoustic privacy featuresmounted to and/or supported by a desk according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective front view of a wheeled office chair havingvisual and/or acoustic privacy features according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a wheeled office chair having visual and/oracoustic privacy features according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective back view of a wheeled office chair havingvisual and/or acoustic privacy features according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a wheeled office chair having visual and/oracoustic privacy features according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 23 is a front view of a wheeled office chair having visual and/oracoustic privacy features according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

The inventor hereof has recognized that it would be beneficial to allowcoworkers in an open office environment to collaborate and worktogether, while also allowing them to speak on a telephone as though ina private office without the surrounding noise of fellow coworkers inthe open office environment. For example, coworkers in an open officeenvironment need to be able to communicate with each other, while alsobeing able to talk on the phone without the person on the other end ofthe line hearing the chatter in the background. The individual alsoneeds to be able to concentrate while adjacent coworkers are on thephone. Similar to the open office environment, it can also be difficultto have visual and/or acoustic privacy in other open environments, suchas in schools, restaurants, cafeterias, airport terminals, testingcenters, libraries, home offices, etc.

Accordingly, the inventor has developed and discloses herein exemplaryembodiments of apparatus or devices including visual and/or acousticprivacy features that can provide a user with at least some privacy andisolation from others in the open environment. For example, exemplaryembodiments are disclosed that include visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures for furniture (e.g., office chair, desk, table, cubicle, etc.).For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features (e.g., pads,screens, pads, blinders, panels, walls, wings, flaps, non-electronicelements, other means for providing visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures, etc.) may be releasably attachable or mountable to, fixedlyattached to, integral to, supported by, etc. a support surface of apiece of furniture, floor, ceiling, canopy, etc. Or, for example, thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features may be a free standing device,e.g., free standing device on a support surface (e.g., desktop, floor,etc.) without being mounted or attached to the support surface.

The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be movable relative tothe user and/or furniture between at least a first configuration and asecond configuration. In the first configuration, the visual and/oracoustic privacy features are not being used to provide visual oracoustic privacy (e.g., not disposed adjacent, along, or around theuser's head, etc.) such that they do not inhibit the user frominteracting with others. For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may be stowed and/or out of the way such that they are spacedapart from (e.g., not generally over, adjacent, or in front of, etc.)the user's ears, eyes, and/or mouth, etc. But in the secondconfiguration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features are deployedfor use (e.g., disposed generally over, adjacent, and/or in front of theuser's ears, eyes, and/or mouth, etc.) so as to provide the user with atleast some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others,such as by acoustically dampening of incoming and/or outgoing soundand/or by providing visual blinders. Accordingly, the firstconfiguration may also be referred to as a stowed, non-use,non-operational, or interaction configuration, while the secondconfiguration may also be referred to as a deployed, in-use,operational, or privacy configuration.

In some embodiments, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may bemovable relative to the user and/or furniture into a thirdconfiguration. For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy featuresmay be moved into a third configuration in which they may be positionedgenerally upright and above a computer monitor to thereby offer a hoodeffect to help control light (e.g., block or shield incoming light,etc.). The position of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features mayprovide visual cues to co-workers. For example, the visual and/oracoustic privacy features may be positioned in a certain configuration(e.g., above the user's head, etc.) to indicate that the user is openfor conversation. As another example, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may be positioned adjacent or around the user's head toindicate that the user is tasking and does not wish to be disturbed.

With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate anexemplary embodiment 100 including first and second (or left and right)visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 embodying one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are mounted to and/orsupported by a desk 112 in this example. Alternatively, the visualand/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may be mounted to and/orsupported by other support surfaces, e.g., chairs, tabletops, etc.

In this example embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features104, 108 are usable and reconfigurable between a plurality ofconfigurations, including a first configuration (FIG. 1), a secondconfiguration (FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B), and a third configuration (FIG. 3).In the first configuration shown in FIG. 1, the visual and/or acousticprivacy features 104, 108 are not disposed adjacent the user's ears oralong opposite side of the user's head, such that the user may easilyand readily interact with others. Also in the first configuration, thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may provide the userwith visual privacy by creating a wall or blinder in front of the desk,which, in turn, may help the user to better concentrate and not bedistracted by on goings in front of the desk.

In the second configuration shown in FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B, the visualand/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are deployed for use (e.g.,disposed generally over, adjacent, and/or in front of the user's ears,eyes, and/or mouth, etc.) so as to provide the user with at least somevisual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others. As shown inFIG. 4A, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 aredisposed generally around the user's head so as to cover the user's earsand eyes from the side. In the second configuration shown in FIG. 4A,the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 acoustically dampenincoming and/or outgoing sound and provide visual blinders. Accordingly,the features 104, 108 may thus provide means for acoustically dampeningincoming and/or outgoing sound and providing visual blinders.

In the third configuration shown in FIG. 3, the visual and/or acousticprivacy features 104, 108 are positioned vertically upright so as to beat least partially above the user's eyes and computer monitor. Thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may thus offer a hoodeffect to help control light when in the third configuration.

Additionally, or alternatively, any one of various configurations of thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may be used to providevisual cues to co-workers. For example, the visual and/or acousticprivacy features 104, 108 may be positioned in a certain configuration(e.g., above the user's head (FIG. 3), etc.) to visually indicate thatthe user is open for conversation. As another example, the visual and/oracoustic privacy features 104, 108 in the second configuration (FIG. 4A)may visually indicate that the user is tasking and does not wish to bedisturbed.

FIG. 6 illustrates the various components of the visual and/or acousticprivacy feature 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, thevisual and/or acoustic privacy feature 104 includes a panel or screenelement 116 supported by a frame 118. The frame 118 is coupled to asupport arm or member 120 via a first rotatable joint or connection 124(e.g., 360 degree ball joint, etc.). The first joint 124 preferablyallows the frame 118 to be rotated or pivoted 360 degrees relative tothe support arm 120.

The support arm 120 is coupled to a base 128 via a second rotatablejoint or connection 132. The second joint 132 preferably allows thesupport arm 120 to be rotated or pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise180 degrees relative to the base 128.

The base 128 may be mountable to the desk top 112 via a bracket 136 andclamping mechanism 140. The clamping mechanism 140 may be mechanicallyfastened (e.g., with screws, etc.) to the bracket 136. Then, the thumbscrew portion of the clamping mechanism 140 may be rotated to therebycreate a clamping force between the clamping mechanism 140 and bracket136 for mounting to the desk top 112. Alternative embodiments mayinclude different means for supporting or mounting the visual and/oracoustic privacy features 104, 108.

The visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 108 may include the same orsimilar components as the visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 104.Accordingly, the visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 108 may alsoinclude a panel or screen element 116, frame 118, support arm 120, firstrotatable joint or connection 124, base 128, second rotatable joint orconnection 132, bracket 136, and clamp 140.

A wide range of materials may be used for various components of thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108. By way of example, themovable acoustic and/or visual privacy panels or screens 116 maycomprise mesh fabric, metal, plastic, wood, acrylic (e.g., frostedacrylic, etc.), vinyl, resin, nylon, marker board, monitor screen, soundsoaking material, fabric, mesh, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc. Inexemplary embodiments, the panels or screens 116 are not electronic,e.g., not electronic computer display screens or monitors, etc. Theframe 118, support arm 120, base 128, joints 124 and 132 may each bemade of the same material or made of different materials from each otherand/or the panels or screens 116. For example, the frame 118, supportarm 120, base 128, joints 124 and 132 may be made of acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), plastic, polypropylene, metal, aluminum,stainless steel, wood, acrylic, vinyl, resin, nylon, thermoplasticand/or 3D printed material, etc.

The panels 116 may also be made out of a material that provides soundsoaking ability but not necessarily, as the speakers 117 (e.g., wirelessspeakers, hardwired speakers, other sound producing means, etc.) providethe ability to add sound masking at the individual. The panels 116 areconfigured to provide visual privacy and thereby limit visualdistraction. In this illustrated embodiment, the panels 116 comprisemesh, which allows the user to at least partially see through the panels116. In other exemplary embodiments, the panels 116 comprise othermaterials that are clear, transparent, or translucent materials and/orconfigured (e.g., perforated, include one or more cut-out portions oropenings, etc.) to allow the user to be at least partially visibletherethrough.

FIG. 5 shows wires 144, 148 passing through holes in the base 128. Inthis example, the wire 144 is connected to an external device, e.g., asmartphone with music to be played by speakers 117. The wire 148connects the speakers 117 together. There may also be a charging means(e.g., an AC adapter port, a jack hole, etc.) on either or both of thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 for charging anelectronic device (e.g., a Bluetooth device, etc.) when applicable. Inthis example, the speakers 117 are shown hardwired to each other and toa smartphone. In other exemplary embodiments, the speakers may bewirelessly connected to each other and/or to the smartphone, e.g., viaBluetooth, etc.

Additionally or alternatively, either or both visual and/or acousticprivacy features 104, 108 may be configured to be operable as a dockingstation for computer equipment, such that smartphones, tablets, etc. maybe plugged in for power and/or stereo speakers may be run wirelessly orwires may be run under the desktop, table, countertop, or other surfacesupporting the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108.

Accordingly, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 maythus be usable akin to headphones but which are not placed directly onthe user's head. This advantageously allows the user to be aware of thesurroundings, while also allowing visual and/or acoustic privacy. Forexample, the movable panel or screen elements 116 reduces visualdistractions to the user, allows the user to focus better (e.g., on acomputer monitor, etc.), and/or provide sound masking and/or music(e.g., via built in speakers 117, etc.) when positioned accordingly. Theuser also has the ability to selectively adjust the positioning of themovable panel or screen elements 116 into any number of differentpositions (e.g., to perhaps avoid a claustrophobic feeling of beingclosed in, etc.) while still having freedom of motion. The movablescreens or panels 116 have an acoustic nature and can act asspeakers/headphones without being applied to the head, such that theuser is able to have privacy.

In some exemplary embodiments, movable pads may be mounted to a supportsurface via flexible conduits or members that allow the movable pads tobe movable or positionable generally about the user's head so as to actas a visual screen, where the pads may also have white noise and/orspeaker capability. The pads may have a microphone and a speaker suchthat the pads are usable as or with a phone device, which pads alsooffer visual privacy. The moveable pads may provide sound masking and/orpersonal music selection. Unlike a loud speaker sitting on a desk thatdisrupts others nearby, the inventor's visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may allow a user to listen to music without disrupting othersnearby. The inventor's visual and/or acoustic privacy features may thusprovide visual and acoustic privacy as well as telephone operation insome exemplary embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, theinventor's visual and/or acoustic privacy features may comprise one ormore pads that are operable as visual blinders as well as a speaker“floating” or suspended from a flexible conduit. The movable pads mayallow the user to have and create a personal, more private environmentin the open office setting.

Exemplary embodiments are also disclosed herein of chairs having visualand/or acoustic privacy features configured to acoustically dampen,muffle, or deaden both incoming sound (e.g., surrounding sound fromcoworkers conversations, paper shuffling, typing, etc.) and outgoingsound (e.g., the chair user's voice when speaking on the telephone,etc.). The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may comprise a visualscreen having white noise and speaker capability.

In some exemplary embodiments, the chair is reconfigurable between atleast a first configuration and a second configuration. In the firstconfiguration, the chair's visual and/or acoustic privacy features arenot visible (e.g., removed, retracted, stowed, etc.) such that the chairmay appear as a typical or conventional chair (e.g., wingback chair,traditional office or task chair, etc.) without any visible visualand/or acoustic privacy features. But in the second configuration, thechair's visual and/or acoustic privacy features are visible and usable(e.g., attached, extended, deployed, etc.) for acoustically dampeningincoming and outgoing sound.

By way of example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features maycomprise wings, flaps, covers, panels, and/or portions at the ear leveland mouth level. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may befully and/or partially retractable, pivotable, slidable, hinged,foldable, pliable, nesting, adjustable, removable from and reattachableto a chair or other furniture piece, fixedly attached to the chair orother furniture piece, etc. Accordingly, additional aspects of thepresent disclosure relate to fold away, retractable, removable, orslidable visual and/or acoustic privacy features that provide audibleprivacy (e.g., acoustic dampening, etc.) and visual privacy to a user.For example, an exemplary embodiment includes fully retractable visualand/or acoustic privacy features coupled to a chair headrest such thatthe visual and/or acoustic privacy features can be slid, pivoted, orfolded away behind, inside, concealed by, or “blend” in with the chairheadrest when not in use.

Some exemplary embodiments may also include a mouth piece or acousticdampening portion at the mouth level as an option to offer more sounddeadening characteristics. Alternative exemplary embodiments, however,may not include this mouth piece option and/or may include one or morevisual and/or acoustic privacy features fixedly attached and not readilyremovable from the chair or other furniture piece.

A wide range of materials may be used for the visual and/or acousticprivacy features in exemplary embodiments, such as fabric, foam,plastic, leather, plexiglass, vinyl, metal, mesh, wood, acrylic, resin,nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene,thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc., which materials may beclear or transparent, frosted or translucent, or opaque, etc. Forexample, the interior of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features mayinclude a suitable sound dampening or redirecting material (e.g., asound soaking foam, fabric, perforated metal, acrylic, other suitablematerials, etc.). An exterior of the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may comprise the same material (e.g., leather, vinyl, etc.)that is used to make the chair headrest, seat, backrest, arms, etc. sothat the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may blend in as justanother option on a seating line.

In some embodiments, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may bemade of a clear or transparent acrylic or plexiglass material such thatthe user remains visible even when after the visual and/or acousticprivacy features are closed and in the second configuration. Or, forexample, the visual and/or privacy features may be other clear,transparent, or translucent materials and/or configured (e.g.,perforated, include one or more cut-out portions or openings, etc.) toallow the user to be at least partially visible therethrough. Theseexemplary embodiments may allow a boss or supervisor to see through thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features when closed, for example, tovisually confirm that the user is working on company business and notsurfing the internet, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the visualand/or acoustic privacy features may be made of a soft or cushionedmaterial for user comfort when the user's head is laying there againstit, e.g., taking a nap, etc.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary embodiment 200 including achair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 204, 208 embodyingone or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/oracoustic privacy features 204, 208 comprise movable pads that aremounted to the chair via flexible conduits or members 215 that allow themovable pads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generallyabout the user's head between at least a first configuration (FIG. 12A)and a second configuration (FIG. 12B).

In the first configuration, the pads are adjacent and/or nest with theheadrest 205, such that the pads may become or function as part of thechair's headrest 205. In the second configuration, the movable pads areadjacent the user's head and thus may operate as visual screens orblinders, e.g., for better screen concentration, etc.

The flexible conduits 215 may also allow the pads to be positioned up inthe air above the headrest. The flexible conduits 215 (e.g., or wire,glide hardware, etc.) may be mounted via universal clips or beintegrated into the chair design.

The pads may also have white noise and/or speaker capability. Forexample, Bluetooth wireless or hard wired speakers 217 may be coupled toor in the pads. The speakers 217 may function in stereo to act asspeakers, a phone device, and/or provide individual sound masking. Thesound system may be user controlled, controlled by an overriding systemwith safety precautions, etc.

The movable pads may comprise fabric, plastic, vinyl, glass, plexiglass,metal, mesh, foam, leather, acrylic, resin, nylon, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printedmaterial, etc. Signage or labels may be applied at either or both sidesto offer brand identification. The color, shape, texture, etc. of thepads may vary.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an exemplary embodiment 300 including achair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 304, 308 embodyingone or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/oracoustic privacy features 304, 308 comprise movable pads that aremounted to the chair via flexible conduits 315 that allow the movablepads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about theuser's head between at least a first configuration (FIG. 13A) and asecond configuration (FIG. 13B).

In the first configuration, the pads are adjacent and/or nest with theheadrest 305. In the second configuration, the movable pads are adjacentthe user's head and thus may operate as visual screens or blinders,e.g., for better screen concentration, etc.

The pads may also have white noise and/or speaker capability. Forexample, Bluetooth wireless or hard wired speakers 317 may be coupled toor in the pads. The speakers 317 may function in stereo to act asspeakers, a phone device, and/or provide individual sound masking.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an exemplary embodiment 400 including achair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 404, 408 embodyingone or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/oracoustic privacy features 404, 408 comprise movable pads that aremounted to the chair via flexible conduits 415 that allow the movablepads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about theuser's head between at least a first configuration (FIG. 14A) and asecond configuration (FIG. 14B).

In the first configuration, the pads are adjacent and/or nest with theheadrest 405, such that the pads may become or function as part of thechair's headrest 405. In the second configuration, the movable pads areadjacent the user's head and thus may operate as visual screens orblinders, e.g., for better screen concentration, etc.

The flexible conduits 415 may also allow the pads to be positioned up inthe air above the headrest. The flexible conduits 415 (e.g., or wire,glide hardware, etc.) may be mounted via universal clips or beintegrated into the chair design.

The pads may also have white noise and/or speaker capability. Forexample, Bluetooth wireless or hard wired speakers 417 may be coupled toor in the pads. The speakers 417 may function in stereo to act asspeakers, a phone device, and/or provide individual sound masking. Thesound system may be user controlled, controlled by an overriding systemwith safety precautions, etc. The movable pads may comprise fabric,plastic, vinyl, glass, plexiglass, metal, foam, leather, mesh, wood,acrylic, resin, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc.,

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate exemplary embodiments 500, 600 includingchairs having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 504, 508, 604,608, respectively, embodying one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 504, 508, 604,608 comprise movable pads that are mounted to or adjacent the chair viaflexible conduits 515, 615 that allow the movable pads to be movable,positionable, or reconfigurable generally about the user's head betweenat least first and second configurations.

FIG. 16 illustrates visual and/or acoustic privacy features 704, 708that are mounted to and/or supported by a desk according to an exemplaryembodiment 700 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure.The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 704, 708 comprise movablepads that are mounted to or adjacent the chair via flexible conduits 715that allow the movable pads to be movable, positionable, orreconfigurable generally about the user's head between at least firstand second configurations.

The user may affect the visual privacy and sound masking by simplymoving the user's head. Or, the pad can be moved completely out of theway if not needed for periods of time.

The flexible conduit or post 715 may be mounted via a grommetattachment, clamp, or table top stand rest or a combination of a dockingunit. The pads may swivel about the connection to modify the speaker 717location depending upon the mount location.

FIG. 17 illustrates exemplary embodiments 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200,1300, and 1400 that include visual and/or acoustic privacy featuresembodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, thesize of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be similar insize to the size of an adult human hand, which size is sufficient tooffer a blinder for the eyes and muffle or dampen sounds at the ears.Or, for example, the size of the visual and/or acoustic privacy featuresmay be smaller than or larger than the size of an adult human hand orPing-Pong paddle in other embodiments. For example, another exemplaryembodiment includes visual and/or acoustic privacy features comprisingsmall puck-shaped elements and/or small speakers on the ends of longconduits for delivering sound. The visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may be positioned at each side of a computer monitor to providespeaker capability located at ear level for better acoustics as comparedto speakers that are merely sitting on a desk top far below ear level.

The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may come in various shapes(e.g., circular 800 or 1400, lima bean shaped 1000, elliptical 1100 or1200, trapezoidal 1300, rectangular, etc.). For example, the lima beamshape 1000 allows the speaker to be at the ear while the bulk of theshape acts as a visual screen and also provides a good location formouth pick up for phone use. The positioning of the visual and/oracoustic privacy features 1000 may also operate as a visual cue. Forexample, a balloon position in which the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures are positioned vertically or above the user may indicate thatthe user is open for conversation. As another example, a heads downposition in which the visual and/or acoustic privacy features arepositioned adjacent the user's head may indicate that the user istasking and does not wish to be disturbed. As a further example, anexemplary embodiment disclosed herein may include one or more lights(e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.) for decorative purposesand/or to provide visual cues (e.g., do not disturb, open forconversation, etc.).

The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be rotatable to allowfor various configurations. The mounting assembly (e.g., universalmount, clamp 800, 1000, 1100, desk top stand 900, 1200, etc.) may beprovided with an AC adapter or other charging device, e.g., for chargingan electronic device (e.g., a Bluetooth device, etc.) when applicable.The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured to swivelat the base to provide sound masking to the space, e.g., for a privateconversation. For example, an exemplary embodiment of the visual and/oracoustic privacy features may be configured to send or transmit soundfrom the user's space to thereby scramble the user's voice and producewhite noise. In this exemplary embodiment, the visual and/or acousticprivacy features may thus provide a reversible system in which the useris isolated and has privacy from others and the user's actions (e.g.,telephone conversations, etc.) are isolated and private (e.g.,inaudible, imperceptible, etc.) from others.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 1500 that includes visualand/or acoustic privacy features 1504, 1508 mounted to and/or supportedby a desk according to an exemplary embodiment embodying one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures 1504, 1508 comprise movable pads that are mounted to oradjacent the chair via flexible conduits 1515 that allow the movablepads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about theuser's head between at least first and second configurations. In thesecond configuration, the front extended portion of the pads may operateas visual blinders to cut down the peripheral visual distractions.

The flexible conduits or supports 1515 may be mounted via universalclips, post grommets, desk top pedestals, etc. Alternatively, theflexible conduits or supports 1515 may be an integral part of afurniture piece, wall tool bars, etc.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 1600 including a chairhaving visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608 embodying oneor more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 19, thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608 comprise curved orarcuate acoustic wings or panels that are retractable (e.g., slidableinto a head rest sleeve 1605, etc.) such that the chair can function andappear as a normal task chair. Alternatively, either or both of theacoustic wings may be foldable out of the way via hinged connections orbe fixed and not movable relative to the chair or relative to eachother, etc.

In this illustrated embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures 1604, 1608 comprise a sound acoustic panel portion 1609 at theear level and a sound acoustic panel portion 1611 at the mouth level.The sound acoustic panel portion 1611 at the mouth level is positionableover or adjacent to the user's mouth for covering the user's mouth tomuffle speaking. For example, the sound acoustic panel portion 1611 maybe moved in front of the user's mouth when on the telephone.

The sound acoustic panel portion 1611 at the mouth level may also bemovable out of the way, for example, to allow the user better viewing ofa computer monitor, desktop, etc. Accordingly, the user may choosewhether or not to use the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604,1608. In addition to having the ability to move the mouth cover awayfrom the user's mouth to provide better viewing, the acoustic wings mayalso be tiered in this illustrated embodiment to allow a better field ofvision.

The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608 shown in FIG. 19(and/or in other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein) may be madefrom a wide range of materials such as fabric, foam, plastic, leather,vinyl, metal, etc., which materials may be clear or transparent, frostedor translucent, or opaque, etc. For example, the interior of the soundacoustic panels 1609, 1611 may be made from a sound soaking foam,fabric, perforated metal, acrylic, mesh, other suitable materials, etc.An exterior of the sound acoustic panels may comprise the same material(e.g., leather, vinyl, etc.) that is used to make the chair headrest,seat, backrest, arms, etc.

FIG. 20 illustrates another exemplary embodiment 1700 of a chair havingvisual and/or acoustic privacy features 1704, 1708 embodying one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 20, the visualand/or acoustic privacy features 1704, 1708 are acoustic screen panels,wings, or flaps that are retractable (e.g., slidable into a head restsleeve, foldable out of the way via hinged connections, etc.) such thatthe chair can function and appear as a normal task chair.

FIG. 20 illustrates one acoustic panel 1708 retracted into an opening inthe headrest 1705, and the other acoustic panel 1704 fully extendedafter being slid out of the opening in the opposite side of theheadrest. Alternatively, either or both of the acoustic panels may befixed and not movable relative to the chair or relative to each other.

In this illustrated embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures 1704, 1708 comprise a sound acoustic portion 1709 at the earlevel and a sound acoustic portion 1711 at the mouth level. The soundacoustic portion 1711 at the mouth level is hinged to the sound acousticportion 1709 at the ear level. Thus, the sound acoustic portion 1711 atthe mouth level can be hingedly moved or pivoted relative to the soundacoustic portion 1709 towards and away from the user's mouth.

Accordingly, the sound acoustic panels 1704, 1708 are thus slidable intoand out of the openings 1713 in the headrest 1705. The sound acousticportions 1711 at the mouth level are hingedly movable or pivotabletowards and away from the user's mouth. Additionally, the headrestheight and headrest angle may also be adjustable to further accommodateuser acoustics and visual field. The sound acoustic flaps, panels, orwings 1704, 1708 may be operable as an audible reflector when extendedin front of the user.

In this illustrated embodiment (and one or more of the other disclosedembodiments), the acoustic panels, flaps, or wings may include speakersin the ear portions and/or mouth audible receivers in the mouthportions. In which case, the acoustic panels, flaps, or wings withbuilt-in electronic speakers and receivers may thus be operablesimilarly as a telephone headset and speakers.

As disclosed herein, the sound acoustic panels 1704, 1708 shown in FIG.20 (and/or in other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein) may be madefrom a wide range of materials such as fabric, plastic, vinyl, heather,mesh, foam, acrylic, resin, nylon, polypropylene, and/or 3D printedmaterial, etc. The particular materials used, sizing, number of pieces,and connection methods (e.g., hinges, etc.) may depend on the degree ofprivacy and isolation desired. The manner in which the visual and/oracoustic privacy features may be integrated into or used with a chair orother furniture piece may vary depending on the overall design orconfiguration of the chair or other furniture piece (e.g., desk, etc.).

FIG. 21 illustrates another exemplary embodiment 1800 of a chair havingvisual and/or acoustic privacy features 1804, 1808 embodying one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 21, the visualand/or acoustic privacy features 1804, 1808 comprise acoustic panels,wings, or flaps, which may have a single-piece accordion-style,vertebrate-style, or articulated-style configuration. The acousticpanels 1804, 1808 may be retractable (e.g., slidable into a head restsleeve 1805, foldable out of the way via hinged connections, etc.) orfixed in position.

In this illustrated embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures 1804, 1808 includes an optional mouth flap at the end of thepanel. The mouth flap may be movable relative to the user's mouth. Forexample, the mouth flap may be hinged to the panel to allow the mouthflap to be hingedly moved or pivoted towards and away from the user'smouth. Additionally, the headrest height and headrest angle may also beadjustable to further accommodate user acoustics and visual field.

As disclosed herein, the sound acoustic panels 1804, 1808 shown in FIG.21 (and/or in other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein) may be madefrom a wide range of materials such as clear or transparent materials,translucent materials, opaque materials, etc.

FIG. 22 illustrates another exemplary embodiment 1900 of a chair havingvisual and/or acoustic privacy features 1908 embodying one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may be similar to previously disclosed acoustic panels, flaps,or wings. As shown in FIG. 22, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures 1908 comprise curved or arcuate acoustic wings or panels thatare retractable (e.g., slidable into a head rest sleeve 1905, etc.) suchthat the chair can function and appear as a normal task chair.Alternatively, either or both of the acoustic wings may be foldable outof the way via hinged connections or be fixed and not movable relativeto the chair or relative to each other, etc.

In this illustrated embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures comprise a sound acoustic panel portion 1909 at the ear leveland a sound acoustic panel portion 1911 at the mouth level. The soundacoustic panel portion 1911 at the mouth level is positionable over oradjacent to the user's mouth for covering the user's mouth to mufflespeaking. For example, the sound acoustic panel portion 1911 may bemoved in front of the user's mouth when on the telephone.

The sound acoustic panel portion 1911 at the mouth level may also bemovable out of the way, for example, to allow the user better viewing ofa computer monitor, desktop, etc. For example, the portion 1911 may beslidable into and out of an opening in the other portion 1909.Accordingly, the user may choose to whether or not to use the visualand/or acoustic privacy features 1908.

FIG. 23 illustrates another exemplary embodiment 2000 of a chair, (e.g.,a flight chair, etc.) having visual and/or acoustic privacy features2004, 2008 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 23, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 2004, 2008comprise flexible bat-like wing portions positionable at least betweenan open position shown in broken lines (e.g., for collaboration withcoworkers, etc.) and a closed position (e.g., a privacy position forconcentration and/or speaking on a telephone, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 23, the ends of the wing portions are positionedgenerally in front of the user in the closed position, such that thewing portions provide the user with privacy and isolation on at leastthe left and right sides. The wing portions are at least partiallyretracted along the sides of the chair in the open position to allow theuser to have better viewing of and/or discussions with coworkers. Inalternative embodiments, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features mayform a dome or shell about the user when in the closed or secondconfiguration.

The wing portions may be made from a wide range of materials such asclear or transparent materials, translucent materials, opaque materials,fabric materials, etc. For example, the wing portions or other visualand/or acoustic privacy features may be made of a clear or transparentacrylic or plexiglass material such that the user remains visible evenwhen after the visual and/or acoustic privacy features are closed and inthe second configuration. This may allow a boss or supervisor to seethrough the visual and/or acoustic privacy features when closed, forexample, to visually confirm that the user is working on companybusiness and not surfing the Internet, etc.

The size of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features relative to thesize of the chair or other piece of furniture may also vary depending onthe overall size of the chair or other piece of furniture, desired levelof visual and/or acoustic privacy. Accordingly, the relative sizing ofthe visual and/or acoustic privacy features to the chairs or otherfurniture pieces and the particular configurations shown in FIGS. 1through 23 are non-limiting examples only as the visual and/or acousticprivacy features disclosed herein may be usable with any suitable typeof chair, table, desk, or other furniture piece. Moreover, theparticular materials used, sizing, number of pieces, and connectionmethods (e.g., hinges, etc.) may depend on the degree of privacy andisolation desired. Also, the manner in which the visual and/or acousticprivacy features are integrated into, attached to, or supported by achair or other furniture piece may vary depending on the overall designor configuration of the chair or furniture piece.

The shape and color of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features mayalso vary. For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features(e.g., screen, etc.) may be very large to offer a much more privatesetting in some exemplary embodiments. As another example, the visualand/or privacy features may be relatively small, e.g., about the size ofor slightly larger than an adult human hand extended, etc. The visualand/or acoustic privacy features may be provided in different colors.For example one office department may include only red colored visualand/or acoustic privacy features while another office departmentincludes blue colored visual and/or acoustic privacy features, thusallowing the two different departments to be easily recognized anddistinguished from each other.

By way of example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features maycomprise an add-on feature that is retrofit to existing chairs or otherexisting furniture. Or, for example, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may comprise an integral part or design of the chair orfurniture piece itself. In which case, chairs or other furniture piecesmay be provided to customers with visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures already included, pre-installed or pre-existing.

By muffling surrounding sounds and sounds on the way out, exemplaryembodiments herein are thus able to create a mini-office or area ofaudible privacy around the user's points of source and receipt. Forexample, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features when deployed maybe generally disposed around (e.g., surround the entire or substantialentirety of, etc.) the user's head. The creation of a “mini-office”around the user's head is unlike the manner in which traditional privateoffices provide privacy by completely walling off workers from eachother, which tends to make collaboration more difficult. Accordingly,exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may thus allow the ability tohave more people in an open office environment with less distractionwith less space used while also allowing more and easier collaboration.The reconfigurable nature (e.g., removable, retractable, pivotable,slidable, hingedly movable, foldable, otherwise adjustable, etc.) of thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features allow those features to be used(e.g., attached, extended, deployed, etc.) or not used (e.g., removed,retracted, stowed, moved out of the way, etc.) depending on the user'schoice similar to the choice a user makes when deciding whether or notto use adjustable arms on a chair.

In addition, some exemplary embodiments also include an acousticdampening portion that is configured to help bounce the user's own voiceback to the user. Advantageously, this will allow the user to hear theuser's voice better and hear how it sounds (e.g., too loud, too soft,etc.).

In some exemplary embodiments, an acoustic dampening portion at themouth level may be reconfigurable to allow it to be pulled, pivoted, orotherwise movable in a first direction towards the user's mouth and inan opposite, second direction away from the user's mouth. For example,the acoustic dampening portion at the mouth level may be moved in thefirst direction towards the user's mouth to muffle the user's voice whenon the phone so as to not distract adjacent coworkers. When the userhangs up the phone, the acoustic dampening portion at the mouth levelmay then be moved in the second, opposite direction away from the user'smouth to allow the user to more easily talk to coworkers for bettercollaboration therewith and/or to allow the user to have better viewingof a computer monitor, papers on a desktop, or other environment.

In some exemplary embodiments, an acoustic dampening portion at themouth level may be movable independently from acoustic dampeningportions at the ear level. In such exemplary embodiments, the acousticdampening portion at the mouth level may be movable in the first andsecond directions towards and away from the user's mouth while theacoustic dampening portions at the ear level remain stationary. Forexample, the user may choose to have the acoustic dampening portions atthe ear level remain positioned generally around the user's ears formuffling surrounding sound for better concentration when the user hangsup the phone, but may also move the acoustic dampening portion at themouth level in the second, opposite direction away from the user's mouthto allow better viewing of a computer monitor, papers on a desktop, orother environment.

In alternative embodiments, an acoustic dampening portion at the mouthlevel is only movable collectively and simultaneously with acousticdampening portions at the ear level. In such alternative embodiments,moving the acoustic dampening portion at the mouth level towards andaway from the user's mouth may thus also include simultaneously movingthe acoustic dampening portions at the ear level respectively towardsand away from the user's ears.

In some exemplary embodiments, the visual and/or acoustic privacyfeatures may be configured to extend outwardly from a headrest and awayfrom the user's head in another or third configuration. In suchembodiments, this third configuration may allow multiple chairs or otherfurniture pieces having their visual and/or acoustic privacy features inthe third configuration to be positioned facing each other in, forexample, a triangular, rectangular, etc. orientation. In which case, thevisual and/or acoustic privacy features may cooperate to create amini-office or area of audible privacy around the users. Thus, the usersfacing each other will be able to talk and collaborate with each otherwhile the visual and/or acoustic privacy features link up and cooperateto acoustically dampen, muffle, or deaden both outgoing sound (e.g., thevoices of the users of the chairs or other furniture pieces whenspeaking with each other, etc.) and incoming sound (e.g., surroundingsound from other coworkers conversations, paper shuffling, typing,etc.).

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that maybe achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do notlimit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentionedadvantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapesdisclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values andparticular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive ofother values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more ofthe examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any twoparticular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define theendpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the givenparameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value fora given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any valuebetween the first and second values could also be employed for the givenparameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to havevalue A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned thatparameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z.Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges ofvalues for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping ordistinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value thatmight be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example,if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may haveother ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3,3-10, and 3-9.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”,“connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculationor the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (withsome approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonablyclose to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecisionprovided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with thisordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at leastvariations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or usingsuch parameters. For example, the terms “generally”, “about”, and“substantially” may be used herein to mean within manufacturingtolerances.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended orstated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally notlimited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, areinterchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if notspecifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in manyways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from thedisclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising first and second visualand/or acoustic privacy features each including: a support member; anelement coupled to and/or supported by the support member; one or morespeakers coupled to and/or supported by the element; whereby the firstand second visual and/or acoustic privacy features are reconfigurableinto a plurality of different configurations, including at least: afirst configuration in which the element is spaced apart from a user'shead; and a second configuration in which the element is adjacent andalongside the user's head and with the one or more speakers positionedto provide sound at ear level of the user; wherein: the element is notelectronic; and/or the element comprises fabric or mesh; and/or theelement is clear, transparent, translucent, and/or configured to allowthe user to be at least partially visible through the element.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein in the second configuration, the elementmay provide at least some visual and acoustic privacy with the elementpositioned to block the user's peripheral sight and reduce peripheralvisual distractions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatusis controllable by the user to provide sound masking and/or music at earlevel of the user or to transmit sound from the user's space to producewhite noise.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus iscontrollable by the user for limiting visual and audible distractions tothe user from others within an open environment, without completelywalling off the user from surroundings.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the apparatus is retrofittably attachable to furniture forlimiting visual and audible distractions to a user of the furniturewithin an open environment; or the apparatus is fixedly attached orintegral to a support surface of a piece of furniture.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the element is not an electronic computer displayscreen or monitor.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elementcomprises fabric, mesh, metal, plastic, wood, vinyl, acrylic, resin,nylon, marker board, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the element is clear, transparent,translucent, and/or configured to allow the user to be at leastpartially visible even when the visual and/or acoustic privacy featuresare in the second configuration.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinwhen the apparatus is mounted to and/or supported by a furniture piecehaving a front surface: the elements are parallel to the front surfacewhen the elements are in their first configuration; the elements areperpendicular to the front surface when the elements are in their secondconfiguration; and the elements are reconfigurable into a thirdconfiguration in which the elements are generally upright above thefurniture piece whereby the elements may be operable for blocking and/orshielding incoming light relative to a computer monitor and/or forproviding a visual cue to others.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the support member comprises a flexible conduit, the one or morespeakers are coupled to and/or supported by the flexible conduit, and aportion of the one or more speakers defines the element; or the supportmember comprises a flexible member operable for supporting the elementand the one or more speakers above a support surface such that theflexible member may be flexed to thereby move the element and the one ormore speakers relative to the support surface between at least the firstand second configurations.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in thesecond configuration, the element is operable for blocking the user'speripheral sight whereby peripheral visual distractions may be reducedand the one or more speakers are operable for transmitting sound fromthe user's space to scramble the user's voice and produce white noise,whereby the user and the user's actions are isolated from others.
 12. Afurniture piece comprising the apparatus of claim
 1. 13. An apparatusfor providing visual and/or acoustic privacy, the apparatus comprising:first and second screens; one or more speakers coupled to and/orsupported by at least one of the first and second screens; and first andsecond devices for movably mounting the first and second screens to asupport surface, such that the first and second screens are movablerelative to the support surface into a plurality of differentconfigurations, including at least: a first configuration in which thefirst and second screens are spaced apart from a user's head; and asecond configuration in which the first and second screens and one ormore speakers are adjacent and alongside the user's head whereby thefirst and second screens may provide at least some visual and/oracoustic privacy and the one or more speakers may be positioned toprovide sound at ear level of the user; wherein: the first and secondscreens comprise non-electronic screens; and/or the first and secondscreens comprise fabric or mesh; and/or the first and second screens areclear, transparent, translucent, and/or configured to allow the user tobe at least partially visible through the first and second screens. 14.The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: in the second configuration, thefirst and second screens are positioned to block the user's peripheralsight and reduce peripheral visual distractions; and the apparatus iscontrollable by the user to provide sound masking and/or music at earlevel of the user or to transmit sound from the user's space to producewhite noise; and the apparatus is controllable by the user for limitingvisual and audible distractions to the user from others within an openenvironment, without completely walling off the user from surroundingsand without the one or more speakers being placed directly on the user'shead thereby allowing the user to be aware of the surroundings.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein: the apparatus is retrofittablyattachable furniture for limiting visual and audible distractions to auser of the furniture within an open environment; or the apparatus isfixedly attached or integral to a support surface of a piece offurniture.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first and secondscreens are not electronic computer display screens or monitors.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the first and second screens comprisefabric, mesh, metal, plastic, wood, vinyl, acrylic, resin, nylon, markerboard, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene,thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the first and second screens are clear, transparent,translucent, and/or configured to allow the user to be at leastpartially visible even when the first and second screens are in thesecond configuration.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the firstand second devices comprise flexible members operable for supporting thefirst and second screens above the support surface such that theflexible members may be flexed to thereby move the first and secondscreens relative to the support surface between at least the first andsecond configurations; and/or in the second configuration, the first andsecond screens are operable for blocking the user's peripheral sightwhereby peripheral visual distractions may be reduced and the one ormore speakers are operable for transmitting sound from the user's spaceto scramble the user's voice and produce white noise, whereby the userand the user's actions are isolated from others.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein: the apparatus comprises an acoustic dampening portionmovable in a first direction towards the user's mouth and in anopposite, second direction away from the user's mouth; and/or the firstand second screens are configured to bounce the user's own voice back tothe user.
 21. A furniture piece comprising the apparatus of claim 13.22. An apparatus for providing visual and/or acoustic privacy, theapparatus comprising: first and second privacy means for providingvisual and/or acoustic privacy; first and second sound producing meanscoupled to and/or supported by the first and second privacy means; firstand second mounting means for mounting the first and second privacymeans to a support surface such that the first and second privacy meansare movable relative to the support surface into a plurality ofdifferent configurations, including at least: a first configuration inwhich the first and second privacy means are spaced apart from a user'shead; and a second configuration in which the first and second privacymeans are adjacent and alongside the user's head whereby the first andsecond privacy means may provide the user with at least some visualand/or acoustic privacy and the first and second sound producing meansmay be positioned to provide sound at ear level of the user; wherein:the first and second privacy means are not electronic; and/or the firstand second privacy means comprise fabric or mesh; and/or the first andsecond privacy means are clear, transparent, translucent, and/orconfigured to allow the user to be at least partially visible throughthe first and second privacy means.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein: in the second configuration, the first and second privacy meansare positioned to block the user's peripheral sight and reduceperipheral visual distractions, and the first and second sound producingmeans are positioned generally over and alongside the user's ears toprovide sound at ear level of the user; and the apparatus iscontrollable by the user to provide sound masking and/or music at earlevel of the user or to transmit sound from the user's space to producewhite noise; and whereby the apparatus is controllable by the user forlimiting visual and audible distractions to the user from others withinan open environment, without completely walling off the user fromsurroundings and without the first and second sound producing meansbeing placed directly on the user's head thereby allowing the user to beaware of the surroundings.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein: theapparatus is retrofittably attachable furniture for limiting visual andaudible distractions to a user of the furniture within an openenvironment; or the apparatus is fixedly attached or integral to asupport surface of a piece of furniture.
 25. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein the first and second privacy means are not electronic computerdisplay screens or monitors.
 26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein thefirst and second privacy means comprise fabric, mesh, metal, plastic,wood, vinyl, acrylic, resin, nylon, marker board, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printedmaterial.
 27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first and secondprivacy means are clear, transparent, translucent, and/or configured toallow the user to be at least partially visible even when the first andsecond privacy means are in the second configuration.
 28. The apparatusof claim 22, wherein: the first and second mounting means compriseflexible members operable for supporting the first and second privacymeans above the support surface such that the flexible members may beflexed to thereby move the first and second privacy means relative tothe support surface between at least the first and secondconfigurations; or the first and second mounting means comprise flexibleconduits, the first and second sound producing means comprise one ormore speakers coupled to and/or supported by the flexible conduits, theone or more speakers including portions that define the first and secondprivacy means.
 29. A furniture piece comprising the apparatus of claim22.